All of Nicklaus’ golfing conquests can be traced back to Jack Grout, known as Nicklaus’ first and only golf teacher.
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NORMAN,Oklahoma—TherewasJackNicklaus,TheGoldenBear,winnerof18majorchampionships,sittinginsidetheeventcenterofOU’sJimmieAustinGolfClubonaswelteringSaturdayafternoon.
Nicklaus,dubiousasitsounds,wasintownfortheComplianceSolutionsChampionship—aKornFerryToureventNicklaushadbeeninvitedtobythecorporatesponsor’sCEO.
ToNicklaus’rightwasaviewoftheninthfairwayatJimmieAustin.Nicklaus,notoneforfrivolities,wasaskedabouttheNormancourse.
“It’sgotgrassandtreesonit,”hesaid.“That’sallIknow.”
ButwhenaskedtoshareoldstoriesabouthisfewOklahomaconnections,the84-year-oldlegendemptiedhismemorybankwithoneregalingtaleafteranother.
Likein1953whenatage13NicklausqualifiedforaUnitedStatesGolfAssociation(USGA)juniortournamentatTulsa’siconicSouthernHillsCountryClub.
Nicklausarrivedonthefirsttee30secondsbeforehis7a.m.teetime.
“Youngman,”JoeDey,thentheexecutivedirectoroftheUSGA,toldNickl
